Careless disposal of cigarettes is a leading cause of fires and violates city ordinance.

If you smoke:

• Smoke outside.
• Stay alert. Do not smoke if you are tired, have taken medicine or consumed alcohol.
• Never smoke in bed or in a home with oxygen tanks.
• Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.
• Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.

Littering

Littering cigarette butts is harmful to the environment and causes wildfires. It is a violation of city code to litter, including cigarette butts. Do not throw or drop litter onto any highway, road or street.

Drivers may be cited for any litter left behind from a vehicle unless another person in the vehicle admits or is identified as having committed the act.

Cooking is the top cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking causes most fires in the kitchen. To avoid a kitchen fire:

• Be alert. Don’t cook if you’re tired or have been drinking.
• Stay in the kitchen while food cooks.
• If you are cooking a slow-roasting meal, such as a Thanksgiving turkey, stay in the house.
• Use a timer to remind yourself food is cooking.
• Keep flammable materials like oven mitts, wood utensils and food packaging away from the stove and oven.
• Keep children away from the stove and oven.
• Keep the kitchen floor clear of clutter.
• Keep electric appliance cords from dangling off the edge of the counter.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. If a small grease fire ignites, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stove.
• Use a firestop device under your range hood or microwave to release a non-toxic fire-suppressing powder if a fire does start.

If you have a kitchen fire:

• Get out of the house. Close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911.
• If you do try to fight the fire, make sure others get out of the house and you have a clear way out.
• If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Barbeque Grills

Only use grills outdoors. Position them well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and branches. Periodically remove grease from the tray below the grill.

City code prohibits those living in apartments and condominium communities from using gas or charcoal grills within 10 feet of the building or any other combustible construction unless that building has an automated sprinkler system.

Fryers

Fryers present an additional danger, because they can tip over, easily overheat and are prone to splattering. If you use a turkey fryer, follow these tips to be as safe as possible.

• Make sure turkeys are completely thawed before using a fryer.
• Use fryers outside only, on a sturdy surface away from flammable materials.
• Don’t overfill the fryer with oil. Determine the correct amount of oil ahead of time by placing the turkey in the pot with water.
• Check the temperature often so the oil doesn’t overheat.
• Use long cooking gloves that protect both your hands and arms when you handle the fryer, lid, or handles.